L. O. (Leland Ossian) Howard

Leland Ossian Howard was an American entomologist born in 1857 who became one of the leading figures in applied insect science in the United States. He studied at Cornell and spent most of his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he rose to lead the Bureau of Entomology.

Howard is widely remembered for helping establish economic entomology as a profession in America. His work focused on insects that affected agriculture and human health, and he played an important part in expanding research on pest control, quarantine, and disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes.

Alongside his scientific leadership, he wrote books and articles that made entomology accessible to broader audiences. That mix of practical expertise and readable style helped make his work influential both within science and among curious general readers.